Frame hanger jig apparatus

ABSTRACT

A frame hanger jig apparatus includes generally parallel spaced-apart first and second jig side members (each side member defined by a first end, a second end, and a first edge), and a jig bottom member connecting the jig side members together at the first ends of the jig side members. A first jig support member is attached to the second end of the first jig side member, the first jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the first jig side member. The first jig support member includes a first jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the first jig side member. The first ends of the jig side members are connected to the jig bottom member to allow a spring biased spread between the first and second ends of the jig side members of at least 20 degrees.

BACKGROUND

Frame hangers are well known devices in the field of carpentry, and are used to facilitate the hanging of frames (i.e., to support a frame from a frame support member). Common exemplary uses for frame hangers are to support roof trusses and deck support members. Frame hangers are most often fabricated from metal, although plastic frame hangers can be used.

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a prior art frame hanger 10. The frame hanger 10 includes frame hanger side members 12 and 14, which are connected by a frame support member 16 at a first end of each frame hanger side member. Each frame hanger side member (12, 14) is attached to a frame flange member (18, 20, respectively) which extend outwards at approximately 90 degrees from the respective frame hanger side member. The frame hanger side members (12, 14) spread away from one another from the frame support member 16 at approximately a 10 degree angle to the frame support member (thus resulting in an overall spread between the two frame hanger side members of about 20 degrees). The dimension “D1” between the frame hanger side members 12, 14 at the frame support member 16 is sized to accommodate a standard wooden frame member size (e.g., about 1.5 inches for a nominal “two-by” board), and the dimension D2 at the opposite ends of the frame hanger side members is larger (e.g., about 2 inches). The frame hanger 10 is preferably fabricated from a material having moderate spring properties such that the ends of the frame hanger side members at dimension “D2” can be brought together about the sides of a wooden frame member and, when released, return to the original position. One common material for fabricating frame hangers is galvanized sheet steel. The frame hanger flange members 18, 20 are provided with primary framing member hail holes 22, thus allowing the frame hanger 10 to be nailed onto a wooden primary frame member. The frame hanger flange members 18, 20 can also be provided with set clips 28. Set clips 28 can be used to temporarily secure the frame hanger 10 to a primary framing member until nails can be driven through nail holes 22. The frame hanger side members 12, 14 are provided with generally hemispherical blisters 24, and each blister is provided with a frame member nail hole 26. The blisters 24 present the nail holes 26 at an angle to a wooden frame member supported by the hanger 10 such that nails can be driven in at an angle, or toe-nailed, into the frame member.

In use, the frame hanger 10 is secured to a primary framing member using the framing member hail holes 22 (with the frame support member 16 typically being located in a downward position relative to the frame hanger side members 12, 14). Then a secondary framing member is supported by, or placed into contact with, the frame hanger 10 (and specifically, by the frame support member 16), and the secondary framing member is nailed in place into the primary framing member using the frame nail holes 26. As can be appreciated, proper placement of the frame hanger 10 on the primary framing member requires: (i) accurate placement of the frame hanger in a (typically) vertical position such that the secondary framing member is properly vertically aligned with the primary framing member (typically accomplished by measuring down from a top surface of the primary framing member to the frame support member 16 of the frame hanger); and (ii) accurate rotational alignment of the frame hanger such that the primary and secondary framing members are mounted orthogonal with respect to one another (typically accomplished by using a carpenter's-square tool). Further, since the frame hanger side members 12, 14 have a spring quality to them, the installer must squeeze the two side members together and hold them in place while attempting to hammer the set clips 28 into the primary framing member. In a standard frame hanger the set clips 26 are only spaced apart from the side member (12 or 14) by a distance of about ¼ inch, and the nail blisters 24 are oftentimes located near the set clips. This makes hitting the set clip 26 with a hammer (while holding the hanger side members 12, 14 together) a difficult operation.

A number of jigs have been provided to assist in the positioning of frame hangers. Two such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,753,014 and 4,947,616. However, these devices still require the user to squeeze the two sides of the frame hanger together about the jig. A third device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,095, constrains both sides of the frame hanger to a specific set configuration, thus not allowing for any adjustment of the top opening (e.g., dimension “D2” in FIG. 1) in the frame hanger. Further, the prior jigs either do not allow for adjustment for different frame sizes, or are difficult to adjust.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art frame hanger.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a frame hanger jig apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the frame hanger jig apparatus depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another front view of the frame hanger jig apparatus depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame hanger jig apparatus depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the frame hanger jig apparatus depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the frame hanger jig apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 and supporting the frame hanger depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the frame hanger jig apparatus and the frame hanger depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the frame hanger jig apparatus of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, and a frame hanger depicted in use.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative frame hanger jig apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partial front view of the frame hanger jig apparatus of FIG. 2 depicting a jig side member brace used with the jig apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a frame hanger jig apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The frame hanger jig apparatus 100 includes first and second generally parallel jig side members 102 and 104 which are joined together at a first end (105) of each side member by a jig bottom member 106. The jig side members 102, 104 and the jig bottom member 106 form a generally square-U shaped bracket. Each jig side member 102, 104 of the jig apparatus 100 can include a support member (108, 110, respectively) which is attached at a second end (ends 107) of each side member and extends outwards at approximately 90 degrees from each side member. (The second end (107) of each side member 102, 104 is distal from the first end (105) of each side member.) The jig apparatus 100 preferably includes two jig support members 108, 110, but can include only one of the jig support members. A first end (150, 152) of each support member (respectively, 108, 110) extends outward from the associated side member (respectively, jig side members 102, 104) to thereby provide a support surface 112 on the underside of the support member. The support surface 112 on the support members 108, 110 allows the support members (and the jig apparatus 100) to be supported by a primary framing member (as described more fully below). That is, the support surfaces 112 of extended ends (150, 152) of the support members (108, 110) can be rested on an upper surface of a primary framing member, thus allowing the frame hanging jig apparatus 100 to be held in place on the primary framing member by gravity alone. (It will be appreciated that the frame hanger jig apparatus can also be used by placing the support surfaces 112 of extended ends (150, 152) of the support members (108, 110) into contact with a lower surface of a primary framing member, but this does not allow for gravity to hold the jig apparatus in place on the primary frame member. In this instance the jig apparatus can be temporarily secured to the lower surface of the primary framing member by temporary fastening means.) The jig apparatus side members 102, 104 are each defined by a first edge 103 and an opposite second edge 109. During use (and as described more fully below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 9) with the jig apparatus 100 supported by the support members 108, 110 from the top of a primary framing member, the first edges 103 of the jig side members 102, 104 will be flush with the outward facing surfaces (not numbered) of the frame hanger flange members 18 and 20 (FIG. 1), and the inward facing surfaces (not numbered) of the frame hanger flange members (18, 20) will be flush with a front face of the primary framing member (i.e., the face of the primary framing member against which the secondary frame member is to be secured by way of the frame hanger). The side members 102, 104 of the jig apparatus 100 (FIG. 2) are defined by opposing inside surfaces 111 (see also FIG. 3, described more fully below). In use, a frame hanger (e.g., 10, FIG. 1) is temporarily positioned between the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members, as will also be more fully described below.

The jig apparatus 100 is fabricated from a material having spring properties. In one example the jig apparatus 100 is fabricated from stainless steel sheet metal having a nominal thickness of 0.125 inches. In other examples the jig apparatus 100 (and specifically, the jig side members 102, 104, the jig bottom member 106, and the support members 108, 110) can be fabricated from plastic or galvanized metal. As can be appreciated from FIG. 2, the jig apparatus 100 can be stamped from a sheet of metal as a single piece, and the side members 102, 104 can be bent at the lower ends 105 to form the jig bottom member 106. Likewise, the jig side members 102, 104 can be bent at the upper (second) ends 107 to form the jig support members 108, 110. Preferably, the bends of the jig side members 102, 104 at the lower ends 105 in order to form the jig bottom member 106 are provided with a radiused edge, having the inside radius “R1” of FIG. 3 (described more fully below). The radiused inside edges (as indicated by dimension “R1”) between the jig side members 102, 104 and the jig bottom member 106 reduces the likelihood of stress fractures occurring as a result of bending between the jig side members 102, 104 and the jig bottom member 106.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the jig side members 102, 104 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 are each provided with one or more restricting pin holes. More specifically, the jig apparatus 100 is provided with one or more sets of aligned restricting pin holes, such as the hole set 120 a and 120 b. Preferably, the restricting pin hole sets in the jig side members 102, 104 are aligned such that a restricting pin 130 can be placed through any given hole set without binding. The jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 is depicted as having four restricting pin hole sets, as follows: hole set 120 a and 120 b; hole set 122 a and 122 b; hole set 124 a and 124 b; and hole set 126 a and 126 b. The hole sets can be spaced equidistant from one another, with the lowermost hole set (e.g., hole set 126 a/126 b) being spaced above the jig bottom member 106 by the same distance. That is, the distance between the inside surface of the jig bottom member 106 and the upper edge of holes 126 a and 126 b can be the same distance as between the centerlines of holes 126 a and 124 a, and likewise holes 124 a and 122 a, as well as holes 122 a and 120 a. (It will be appreciated that the spacing of restricting pin holes 120 a through 126 a in jig side member 102 is essentially the same as for the spacing of restricting pin holes 120 b through 126 b in jig side member 104.) The hole spacing between hole sets can also be adjusted in order to accommodate nominal lumber dimensions, as will be described more fully below. The restricting pin 130 is intended to fit into any given set of the restricting pin holes. The restricting pin 130 (which will be describe more fully below) can thus act as a moveable lower stop or rest for the frame hanger frame support member (16, FIG. 1). The jig apparatus 100 can be provided with a restricting pin storage hole, such as hole 134 in jig support member 110, so that the restricting pin 130 can be stored with the jig apparatus when not being used in any of the restricting pin holes (e.g., 122 a-126 a). The restricting pin 130 can also be described as a frame hanger support device. The frame hanger support device 130 is configured to attach to the jig apparatus 100 in a restrained manner between the jig side members 102, 104 in order to support a frame hanger between the jig side members. The frame hanger support device 130 is further preferably configured to be selectively positionable along the jig apparatus side members 102, 104 by virtue of one or more sets of aligned restricting pin holes (i.e., restricting pin hole sets) formed in the jig side members.

The jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 can also be provided with a tensioning member 140. The jig apparatus 100 is provided with tensioning member holes 142 a and 142 b, which are configured to receive the tensioning member 140, and which are located proximate the second (upper) ends 107 of the jig side members 102, 104. (It will be appreciated that the use of the term “upper end” with respect to second ends 107 of jig side members 102, 104 is relative only with respect to the orientation of the jig apparatus 100 in one particular use, as depicted in FIG. 9 for example, and is not intended to be a limiting feature.) The details and use of the tensioning member 140 will be described in more detail below. In one variation the tensioning member 140 can be sized so as to fit within the restricting pin hole sets (e.g., hole sets 120 a/120 b, 122 a/122 b, 124 a/124 b, and/or 126 a/126 b). In this way the tensioning member 140 can be selectively positioned along the jig apparatus 100 between the jig side members 102, 104 to provide preferred selective constraint of the jig side members.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 is depicted in a front view. In this view the tensioning member 140 is placed in the tensioning member holes 142 a and 142 b. The tension member 140 is depicted here as a bolt having a bolt head 143, a bolt shaft 145, and a threaded bolt end 148. First and second nuts 144, 146 (which can be friction nuts) can be applied to the threaded end 148 of the tensioning member 140 in order to capture the jig side member 102 between the nuts. By moving the nuts 144, 146 along the threaded end 148 of the tensioning member 140, the upper ends 107 of the jig side members 102, 104 can be drawn closer together. Turning to FIG. 4, this is another front view of the jig apparatus depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, but in the view of FIG. 4 the tensioning member 140 is not placed in the tensioning member hole 142 a in the jig side member 102. A comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 reveals the following differences: (i) in FIG. 3 a first dimension D3 between the jig side members 102, 104 at the first ends 105 of the side members, and a second dimension D4 between the side members at the second ends 107, are essentially the same; whereas; (i) in FIG. 4 the dimension D4 between the jig side members 102, 104 at the second ends 107 of the jig side members is greater than the dimension D3. That is, in the absence of the tensioning member 140 connecting the jig side members 102, 104 into a drawn-together state, the jig side members will tend to splay outward slightly from the first ends 105 of the jig side members to the second ends 107 of the jig side members. The spring properties of the material (or materials) from which the jig apparatus 100 is fabricated thus provide a slight outward bias to the second (upper) ends 107 of the jig side members 102, 104, allowing the upper ends to be drawn selectively closer together by use of the tensioning member 140. In one example, the side members 102, 104 are each defined by a length (between the first end 105 and the second end 107) of about 11.5 inches, the inside dimension D3 across the jig bottom member 106 is about 1 15/16 inches, and the inside dimension D4 between the seconds ends 107 of the side members (absent any compression applied by the tensioning member 140) is about 2 1/15 inches. However, as described above, frame hangers (e.g., frame hanger 10 of FIG. 1) have spring properties between the frame hanger side members (12, 14), and thus when a frame hanger is placed between the frame hanger jig side members 102, 104 (see briefly FIG. 7), and in the absence of the tensioning member 140, the upper ends 107 of the jig side members can be spread apart by the dimension D4 of about 2¼ inches of more. However, the spring properties of the jig side members 102, 104 about the jig bottom member 106 can allow the side members to be selectively spread apart by a distance D4 of up to 3 inches (at the second ends 107), and return to the rest position (as depicted in FIG. 4) once the spreading force of the frame hanger is removed from the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104. It will be appreciated that the dimensions provided in the above example are exemplary only, and that the jig apparatus 100 is not limited to these dimensions.

One alternative variation to the tensioning member 140 depicted in FIG. 3 (and described above) is provided in FIG. 10 (which is further discussed and described below). The tensioning member 240 of FIG. 10 is depicted as a bolt having a bolt head 243 and a fully threaded bolt shaft 245 defined by bolt end 248. First and second nuts 244, 246 are applied proximate the end 248 of the tensioning member 240 in order to capture the first jig side member 202 between the nuts 244 and 246. Further, nut 247 (which can be a friction nut) can be applied to the threaded shaft 245 at the inner side 111 of the second jig side member 204. It will be appreciated that instead of using friction nuts for nuts 244, 246 and 247 of FIG. 10 (as well as nuts 144 and 146 of FIG. 3), alternative means can be used to secure the nuts along the shaft 245 (and 145 for FIG. 3) of the tensioning means 240/140. For example, split-ring washers, friction washers or Bellville washers can be used to provide a restraining force to hold nuts 244, 246 and 247 of FIG. 10, and nuts 144 and 146 of FIG. 3, in relative fixed positions along respective bolt shafts 245 and 145. The use of nut 247 on the tension member 240 of FIG. 10 prevents the bolt head 243 from moving outward from jig side member 204. It will further be appreciated that while the tensioning member 240 of FIG. 10 has a bolt shaft 245 which is longer than the bolt shaft 145 of the tensioning member 140 of FIG. 3 (as described further below with respect to additional description of FIG. 10), the length of the bolt shaft (145 or 245) can be adjusted to accommodate the desired spread between the jig side members (102/104 of FIG. 3, or 202/204 of FIG. 10).

As described above with respect to the frame hanger 10 of FIG. 1, frame hangers are typically provided with an outward spread between the frame hanger side members (12, 14) to allow users to selectively position a frame within the frame hanger. The frame hanger jig apparatus 100, as depicted and described herein, allows the jig apparatus to accommodate the natural outward spread of the frame hanger, and further allows a user to selectively configure the jig apparatus 100, by virtue of the tensioning member 140, to a desired spread between the side members (12, 14) of the frame hanger (10) when installing frames. This ability to accommodate the outward spread of the frame hanger side members (e.g., 12, 14, FIG. 1) is provided by the spring properties of the jig apparatus side members 102, 104 about the jig bottom member 106. The use of the tensioning member 140 is further described below. While the tensioning member 140 is depicted in the figures as being a nut-and bolt configuration, other configurations can be used. The tensioning means 140 acts to bring together the second (upper) ends 107 of the jig side members 102, 104 and hold them in a selected position relative to one another during use of the jig apparatus 100. Exemplary angles of natural spread between the two jig side members (102, 104), with respect to the jig bottom member 106, and when not restricted by the tensioning means 140, and not being acted on by an outward-spreading force (such as the frame hanger side members 12 and 14), are between about 1 degree and 5 degrees. The resilient angle of outward spread of the jig side members (102, 104) with respect to the jig bottom member 106, when being acted on by an outward spreading force (such as frame hanger side members 12 and 14) is about 15 degrees. That is, the spring properties of the jig side members 102, 104 about the jig bottom member 106 are preferably such that an angle of about 30 degrees between the side member first ends 105 (proximate the jig bottom member 106) and the side member second ends 107 can be achieved without permanent deformation of the side members 102, 104 at their first ends 105 where they are attached to the jig bottom member 106. The spring properties of the jig side members 102, 104 about the jig bottom member 106 can be selected to allow for angles in excess of 30 degrees between the jig side member first ends 105 and the jig side member second ends 107, but this will typically not be required due to the inherent maximal spread of commonly used frame hanger side members (12, 14), which is limited to about 20 degrees.

Returning to FIG. 3, the restricting member 130 is depicted as being placed in restricting pin hole set 124 a and 124 b. The restricting pin 130 can be provided with a restricting pin securing means 136 (FIGS. 3 and 4) in order to retain the restricting pin within the restricting pin holes (see holes 124 a/124 b in FIG. 3, for example). In one example the restricting pin securing means 136 can be a spring-loaded ball bearing captured within the restricting pin 130 proximate one end of the restricting pin. The restricting pin securing means 136 is preferably configured so as to not restrict the outward spring-biased movement of the jig side members 102, 104, as described above. For example, when the restricting pin securing means 136 is a spring-loaded ball bearing, then the ball bearing is located in the restricting pin 130 at a position where, in use, the ball bearing will not come into forced contact with the outer surface (not numbered) of the jig side members 102, 104. The restricting pin 130 can also include a pull ring 132 to facilitate removal of the restricting pin 130 from any of the restricting pin holes. It will be appreciated that the number of restricting pin hole pairs (e.g., hole pair 120 a and 120 b, hole pair 122 a and 122 b, and so on) in the jig side members (102, 104) is not restricted by the exemplary figures, and can include only a single pair of restricting pin holes, or as many pairs of restricting pin holes as are desirable. The length dimensions “L1” through “L5” depicted in FIG. 4, relating to exemplary spacing of restricting pin hole selts, will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the jig apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3, with the restricting pin 130 and tensioning member 140 of FIG. 3 removed. The restricting pin holes 120 a-126 a in the jig side member 102 can be seen, as well as the tensioning member hole 142. The jig support member 108 is also shown, with portion 150 of the support member projecting outward of the first edge 103 of the jig side member 102. The underside surface 112 of the portion 150 of the support member 108 is the surface that can rest on the primary framing member during use of the jig apparatus 100.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the jig apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, with the restricting pin 130 (FIG. 3) removed, but the tensioning member 140 inserted in only one of the tension member holes (142 b). Further, the tensioning member 140 is shown with only one of the restricting nuts (144) on the threaded end 148 of the tensioning bolt. The portions 150, 152 of the support members 108, 110 which extend past the first edge 103 (FIG. 2) of the side members 102, 104 are also shown. In one example the length of the portions 150, 152 which extend beyond the first edge 103 of the side members 102, 104 (FIGS. 2 and 5) is greater than the width of the jig side members 102, 104 (i.e., the jig side member width being the distance between the first edge 103 and the second edge 109 of each side member, per FIG. 2). In FIG. 6, since the tensioning member 140 is not attached to the side member 102, the jig apparatus 100 is in the natural position depicted in front view on FIG. 4 (that is, with the side members 102, 104 slightly spread apart towards the support members 108, 110). Thus, the inside surfaces 111 of the side members 102, 104 can be partially seen in the top view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the jig apparatus 100 (as described above) holding a frame hanger 10 (as described above with respect to FIG. 1). In this view the frame support member 16 of the frame hanger 10 is resting on the restricting pin 130. When no restricting pin 130 is used, the frame support member 16 can rest on the jig bottom member 106. The frame hanger 10 is further supported within the jig apparatus 100 between the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104. More specifically, the frame hanger side members 12, 14 (see FIG. 1) have been compressed together, and the frame hanger 10 has then been placed between the jig side members 102, 104. Upon release of the frame hanger side embers 12, 14, the frame hanger nail blisters 24 come into contact with the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104. Friction between the frame hanger nail blisters 24 and the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104, along with the restricting pin 130, hold the frame hanger 10 in position within the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 as depicted in FIG. 7. Also in FIG. 7 can be seen the restricting pin securing means 136 (here, a spring loaded ball bearing) on the restricting pin 130. It can be seen that there is a space between the restricting pin securing means 136 and the outer surface (not numbered) of the jig side member 102. This space allows the jig side members 102, 104 to be spread apart by the frame hanger 10 without being obstructed by the restricting pin securing means 136. FIG. 7 also depicts the tensioning means 140 as being in use and bringing the jig side members 102, 104 in to essentially parallel orientation with respect to one another. As described above, the tensioning means 140 can also be adjusted to allow an outward spread of the jig side members 102, 104 from the fixed distance (D3, FIG. 3) at the jig bottom member 106 to the adjustable width (D4, FIG. 3) towards the jig support members 108, 110.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the arrangement of the frame hanger 10 inserted into the frame hanger 100 depicted in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8 it can be seen how the nail hole blisters 24 of the frame hanger 10 are in contact with the inside surfaces 111 of the side members 102, 104 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 100. FIG. 8 also depicts the restricting pin 130 placed within restricting pin hole set 124 a and 124 b, and how the frame support member 16 of the frame hanger 10 is resting on the restricting pin 130.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 as used with a frame hanger 10′, and supported on the upper surface 4 of a primary frame member 2. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the frame hanger 10′ (and more specifically, the frame support member 16′ of the frame hanger 10′) is supported by the frame hanger jig bottom (or lower) member 106. The frame hanger 10′ of FIG. 9 is different than the frame hanger 10 of FIGS. 1 and 7 in that the frame hanger side members 12′ and 14′ are longer than the frame hanger side members 12 and 14 of the frame hanger 10. FIG. 9 depicts the use of the frame hanger jig 100 without the use of the restricting pin (or frame hanger restricting means) 130 (see FIG. 7, for example), and also without the use of the tensioning member (or tensioning means) 140 (see also FIG. 7). As can be appreciated from FIG. 9, once the frame hanger 10′ is placed within the frame hanger jig 100 between the inside surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104, the frame hanger jig 100, along with the supported frame hanger 10′, can be supported from the upper surface 4 of a primary frame member 2. The frame hanger 10′ can then be nailed in place onto the primary frame member using nails holes 22 in the frame hanger 10′. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the first edges 103 of the jig side members 102, 104 are spaced apart from the front surface 6 of the primary framing member 2 by the frame hanger flange members 18′ and 20′. That is, the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 is placed outward of contact with the primary frame member 2 via the frame hanger flange members 18′ and 20′. Thus, once the frame hanger 10′ is secured to the primary frame member 2 by nailing the frame hanger to the primary frame member (using nail holes 22 in the frame hanger flange members 18′ and 20′), the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 can be pulled away from the frame hanger 10′, leaving the frame hanger 10′ attached to the primary frame member 2, and thus ready to receive a frame between the frame hanger side members 12′ and 14′.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative frame hanger jig apparatus 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. The frame hanger jig apparatus 200 is in all relevant details similar to the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 3, except that the dimension D5 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 200 (between the first ends 205 of the frame hanger side members 202, 204 at jig bottom member 206) is increased (over dimension D3 of FIG. 3) in order to accommodate frames having greater widths than those intended for use with the frame hanger jig apparatus 100. Likewise, the dimension D6 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 200 (between the second ends 207 of the frame hanger side members 202, 204) is increased (over dimension D4 of FIG. 3). More specifically, the dimensions D5 and D6 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 200 of FIG. 10 can be sized to accommodate composite frames, which are commonly fabricated from nominal “2-by” lumber sandwiched between nominal half-inch portions of sheet plywood. Such composite frames are commonly twice the width of the nominal “2-by” stock lumber used in the sandwich—i.e., for a stock “2-by” dimension of 1.5 inches, the width of the composite frame is approximately 3 inches, or generally twice that of the stock lumber. Thus, the dimensions D5 and D6 of the frame hanger jig apparatus 200 can be twice the respective dimensions D3 and D4 of the jig apparatus 100. All other like-numbered items between FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 can be identical, however: (i) restricting pin 230 of FIG. 10 is longer than restricting pin 130 of FIG. 3 in order to accommodate the greater width (D5, D6) between jig side members 202, 204; and (ii) tensioning member 240 of FIG. 10 includes a longer bolt shaft 245 than bolt shaft 145 of FIG. 3 in order to accommodate the greater width (D5, D6) between jig side members 202, 204. The tensioning member 240 of FIG. 10 is also a variation of the tensioning member 140 of FIG. 3, as has been described above. It will be appreciated that a modified version of the tensioning member 140 of FIG. 3 (i.e., with a longer bolt shaft 145) can also be used for the jig apparatus 200 of FIG. 10.

As indicated above, the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 is preferably configured to accommodate standard secondary frame members (i.e., frame members intended to be attached essentially orthogonally to a primary frame member, such as primary frame member 2 of FIG. 9). In North America frame members are typically constructed using “2-by” dimensional lumber. The term “2-by” refers to a common undried (and unfinished) piece of lumber, typically measuring 2 inches in width (hence the term “2-by”), from which a finished piece of lumber (or dimensional lumber) is provided. The finish width dimension of a standard “2-by” is generally 1.5 inches. Finished sizes of “2-by” lumber also vary in depth—i.e., from a nominal “2 by 4” (being actual an size of 1.5 inches in width by 3.5 inches in depth) to a nominal “2 by 12” (being actual size of 1.5 inches in width by 11.25 inches in depth). The nominal (and actual) common dimensions used for “2-by” lumber in North America (and in the United States of America, in particular), are given in the following table (with nominal dimensions provided in the first column, and actual dimensions provided in the second column):

2 × 4 1½″ × 3½″ 2 × 6 1½″ × 5½″ 2 × 8 1½″ × 7¼″  2 × 10 1½″ × 9¼″  2 × 12  1½″ × 11¼″ Thus, the distances between an inside surface 113 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 8) of the jig lower member (or bottom member) 106 of the jig apparatus 100 and the pairs of restricting pin holes 120 a (and 120 b) through 126 a (and 126 b) can be selected to accommodate various anticipated nominal dimensions of frame members.

More specifically, in one example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the length dimension “L1” between the inside surface 113 of the jig apparatus bottom member 106 (at the first end 105 of the jig side members 102, 104) and the second end 107 of the jig side members can be about 11.5 inches. This allows the jig apparatus 100 to accommodate a frame hanger which can accept a nominal 2×12 frame member. It will be noted that the tensioning member 140 does not interfere with the frame hanger since frame hangers are typically shorter than actual dimension of the frame members they are configured to support. When the length “L2” between the top (or top edge) of restricting pin hole pair 126 a/126 b (i.e., the position where the frame hanger will rest on the restricting pin 130 when placed in hole pair 126 a/126 b) and the second end 107 of the jig side members 102/104 is about 9.25 inches, then the jig apparatus 100 can be used with a frame hanger configured to accept nominal 2×10 frame members. Similarly, length “L3” of about 7.25 inches from restricting pin hole pair 124 a/124 b (as measured from the top edge of the hole pair) and second ends 107 of jig side members 102, 104 allows for the jig apparatus 100 to be used with a frame hanger configured to accept nominal 2×8 frame members. Dimensions “L4” and “L5” can be 5.5 inches and 3.5 inches (respectively, and as measured between the top edges of respective restricting pin hole sets 122 a/122 b and 120 a/120 b, and second ends 107 of the respective jig side members 102, 104) to allow the jig apparatus 100 to be used with frame hangers configured to accept respective nominal 2×6 and 2×4 frame members. The restricting pin hole sets can thus be spaced-apart from one another, as measured to the top edge of each hole in the hole sets, and relative to the inside edge 113 of the jig bottom member 106, by the following dimensions: (i) for restricting pin hole set 126 a/126 b, by a dimension of about 2 inches; (ii) for restricting pin hole set 124 a/124 b, by a dimension of about 4 inches; (iii) for restricting pin hole set 122 a/122 b, by a dimension of about 5¾ inches; and (iv) for restricting pin hole set 120 a/120 b, by a dimension of about 7¾ inches.

FIG. 11 is a partial front view of the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 of FIG. 2, depicting a jig side member brace 160 used in conjunction with the jig apparatus 100. The jig side member brace 160 can be used to restrict bending of a jig side member (102 or 104) relative to the jig bottom member 106. The jig side member brace 160 can be used in conjunction with the tensioning means 140 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in order to restrict movement of one jig side member (e.g., side member 102) while allowing movement of the other jig side member (e.g., side member 104), as depicted in FIG. 11. The jig side member brace 160 can be a block of generally incompressible material, such as a block of steel or aluminum. The jig side member brace 160 can be provided with threaded mounting holes 162 and 164, which can be engaged by threaded brace securing means 170 and 172 via the access holes 166 (in side member 102) and 168 (in jig bottom member 106). It will be noted that threaded mounting hole 162 in the jig side member brace 160, and the access hole 166 (in side member 102), as well as the securing means 170, are not necessary for the use of the jig side member brace 160. That is, the primary secured connection can be between the jig side member brace 160 and the jig bottom member 106. Brace securing means 170 and 172 can be, for example, threaded bolts or machine screws. The jig side member brace 160 can be moved from the position depicted in FIG. 11 (i.e., between jig side member 102 and jig bottom member 106) to the position indicated by 160′—i.e., between jig side member 104 and jig bottom member 106. In this instance the jig side member brace 160 can be secured to the jig bottom member 106 using at least access hole 168′ in jig bottom member 106, and also using access hole 166′ in jig side member 104. The jig side member brace 160 can be provided with radiused corners 174 so that the brace 160 can fit into the radiused corners “R1” (FIG. 3) between the jig side members 102, 104 and the jig bottom member 106. The use of the jig side member brace 160 allows one of the jig side members (102 or 104) to remain in orthogonal orientation with respect to the jig bottom member 106, while allowing the other jig side member to be moved outward (typically) relative to the jig bottom member. This allows a user to angle the jig side members 102, 104 to a preferred orientation such that when a frame hanger (10, FIG. 8 for example) is placed between the jig side members, the frame hanger can be placed with a desired tilt (e.g., left or right) in order to accommodate a desired placement of frames. For example, a user may desire for frame hangers to have a tilt of 2 degrees to one side in order to accommodate inaccuracies in construction, or to accommodate desired architectural features (e.g., a fanning out of a roofline beyond the supporting structure).

To use the jig apparatus 100, the user first selects the desired position (if any) for the restricting pin 130 (FIG. 7, for example), and inserts the restricting pin 130 into the appropriate holes pair (e.g., hole pair 124 a/124 b, FIG. 3). The selection of the restricting pin position within any of the hole pairs (described above with respect to FIG. 2) will be based on the size of the frame hanger that will be used with the jig apparatus 100, and also the size of the frames that are to be supported by the frame hanger. If the restricting pin 130 is not going to be used, it can be stored in the restricting pin storage hole 134 (FIG. 2). The user then places a frame hanger (e.g., 10, FIG. 1) into the frame hanger jig apparatus 100 with the frame support member (16, FIG. 1) of the frame hanger 10 in contact with the restricting pin 130 (if used) or with the jig bottom member 106 (if the restricting pin 130 is not used). This arrangement is depicted generally in FIGS. 7 and 8 (wherein the restricting pin 130 is used). The user can then use the tensioning means (e.g., tensioning bolt 140 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 7), in the manner described herein above, in order to bring the upper parts of the jig side members 102, 104 (i.e., the parts of the side members proximate the second ends 107 thereof) into desired proximity to one another to close the frame hanger 10 to the desired spread of the frame hanger side members (12, 14, FIGS. 1 and 8). It will be noted that the step of adjusting the tensioning means (e.g., tensioning bolt 140 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 7) can be performed prior to inserting the frame hanger 10 in between the inner surfaces 111 of the jig side members 102, 104.

Once the frame hanger 10 is placed in between the side members 102, 104 of the jig apparatus 100 (see FIG. 8, for example), the jig apparatus 100 (including the supported frame hanger 10) is then placed on the upper surface 4 (FIG. 9) of a primary frame member 2, and the jig apparatus 100 (and frame hanger 10) will be supported thereon by the support surfaces 112 (FIG. 2) of the jig support members 108, 110, as generally depicted in FIG. 9. The frame hanger 10 can then be nailed to the primary frame member 2 (FIG. 9) using the primary framing member nail holes 22 (FIG. 1). The jig apparatus 100 is then pulled away from the frame hanger 10, leaving the frame hanger 10 mounted to the primary framing member 2. (It is appreciated that the frame hanger flange members 18, 20 of the frame hanger 10 (FIG. 1) are in contact with the front face 6 of the primary frame member 2 (FIG. 9), and the jig apparatus 100 is thus free to move away from the primary frame member 2 and the frame hanger 10 once the frame hanger is secured to the primary frame member.) The user can then place a frame into the frame hanger 10, and secure the frame to the frame hanger using the frame member nails holes (26, FIG. 1) in the frame hanger.

In one variation the jig apparatus 100 can be provided with a selectable-width jig bottom member 106, and the jig side members 102, 104 can be provided with additional sets of restricting-pin bolt holes. This will allow the jig apparatus to be used for frame members of various widths, and also accommodate rough versus nominal framing members heights.

The frame hanger jig apparatus disclosed herein can be described as a generally square-U-shaped bracket having generally parallel and spaced apart first and second jig side members (e.g., 102, 104, FIG. 2) joined together at first ends (e.g., 105, FIG. 2) of the side members by a jig bottom member (e.g., 106, FIG. 2). Each jig side member (e.g., 102, 104, FIG. 2) is further defined by a second end (e.g., 107, FIG. 2), and at least one jig support member (e.g., 108 and/or 110) is essentially orthogonally attached to the respective jig side member (102, 104) at the second end (107) of the respective jig side member. At least one of the jig side members (102, 104) is attached to the jig bottom member (106) in a resilient spring manner to allow resilient outward movement of the jig side member with respect to the jig bottom member of at least 10 degrees. The jig apparatus can further include a tensioning means (e.g., 140, FIGS. 3 and 7) to bring the uppers ends of the jig side members 102, 104 (i.e., proximate second ends 107 of the jig side members) into selective spatial relationship to one another against either (i) the natural outward-spreading spring bias of the side members, or (ii) the outward-spreading spring bias of the jig side members as imposed by a frame hanger placed inward between the jig side members.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary methods and apparatus of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A frame hanger jig apparatus comprising: a first jig side member and a second jig side member, each jig side member being defined by a first end and a second end, and each jig side member being further defined by a first edge and a second edge; a jig bottom member connecting the first and second jig side members together at the first ends of the jig side members to therefore place the jig side members in a generally parallel spaced-apart relationship; a first jig support member attached to the second end of the first jig side member, the first jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the first jig side member, the first jig support member including a first jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the first jig side member; and wherein the first ends of the jig side members are connected to the jig bottom member to allow a spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members of at least 20 degrees.
 2. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a second jig support member attached to the second end of the second jig side member, the second jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the second jig side member, the second jig support member including a second jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the second jig side member.
 3. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 1 and wherein the first and second jig side members, and the jig bottom member, are formed from a single piece of material having spring properties to thereby provide the spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members.
 4. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 1 and wherein: each jig side member is further defined by an inner surface, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second jig side members are placed in generally parallel and spaced-apart relationship to one another; and the apparatus further comprises a tensioning means configured to bring together the second ends of the jig side members against an opposing outward-spreading force applied to the inner surfaces of the jig side members and against the spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members.
 5. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 4 and wherein the tensioning means comprises a tensioning bolt which is passed between tensioning member holes located in the jig side members proximate to the second ends of the jig side members, the tensioning means further comprising a nut configured to be applied to a threaded end of the tensioning bolt.
 6. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 4 and further wherein: the jig side members define there-within at least one set of generally horizontally aligned restricting pin holes; and the frame hanger jig apparatus further comprises a restricting pin configured to be placed between the restricting pin holes in order to provide a resting area for a frame member support member of a frame hanger.
 7. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 4 and further wherein: the jig side members define there-within a plurality of sets of generally horizontally aligned restricting pin holes; and the apparatus further comprises a restricting pin configured to be placed between any given set of the restricting pin holes in order to provide a resting area for a frame member support member of a frame hanger.
 8. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 7 and wherein the plurality of sets of generally horizontally aligned restricting pin holes in the jig side members are spaced apart within each of the jig side members by a dimension corresponding to a nominal incremental dimension for a set of finish lumber sizes.
 9. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 8 and wherein the plurality of sets of generally horizontally aligned restricting pin holes in the jig side members comprise three sets of restricting pin holes, each restricting pin hole defined by a top edge which is proximate to the second end of the jig side members, and wherein: a dimension between an inside surface of the jig lower member and the second ends of the jig side members is about 11.5 inches; the top edges of a first set of the restricting pin holes are about 9¼ inches from the seconds of the jig side members; the top edges of a second set of the restricting pin holes are about 7¼ inches from the seconds of the jig side members; and the top edges of a third set of the restricting pin holes are about 5½ inches from the seconds of the jig side members.
 10. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 4 and wherein the jig side member inner surfaces are spaced-apart from one another, and in the absence of the tensioning means, a spatial relationship of the inner surfaces of the jig side members is defined by a first dimension between the jig side members at the first ends of the jig side members, and a second dimension between the jig side members at the second ends of the jig side members, and further wherein the first and second dimensions are selected such that a frame hanger will be captured between the inner surfaces of the jig side members when placed there-between.
 11. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 10 and wherein the first dimension between the jig side members at the first ends of the jig side members is about 2 inches, and the second dimension between the jig side members at the second ends of the jig side members is about 2 3/16 inches, in the absence of the tensioning means.
 12. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 2 and wherein the first and second jig side members, the jig bottom member, and the first and second jig support members are formed from a single piece of material having spring properties to therefore provide the spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members.
 13. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 12 and wherein the first and second jig side members, the jig bottom member, and the first and second jig support members are formed from a single piece of steel.
 14. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 12 and wherein the first and second jig side members, the jig bottom member, and the first and second jig support members are formed from a single piece of plastic.
 15. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 6 and wherein the restricting pin includes a restricting pin securing means configured to releasably retain the restricting pin within the restricting pin holes.
 16. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 15 and wherein the restricting pin securing means comprises a spring-loaded ball bearing captured within the restricting pin proximate one end of the restricting pin.
 17. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 15 and wherein the restricting pin securing means is located in the restricting pin to allow limited movement of the restricting pin within the restricting pin holes in a direction parallel to the jig bottom member.
 18. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 15 and wherein the first jig support member defines therein a restricting pin storage hole configured to receive the restricting pin and to retain the restricting pin therein by the restricting pin securing means.
 19. A frame hanger jig apparatus comprising: a first jig side member and a second jig side member, each jig side member being defined by a first end and a second end, and each jig side member being further defined by a first edge and a second edge; a jig bottom member connecting the first and second jig side members together at the first ends of the jig side members to therefore place the jig side members in a generally parallel spaced-apart relationship; a first jig support member attached to the second end of the first jig side member, the first jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the first jig side member, the first jig support member including a first jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the first jig side member; a second jig support member attached to the second end of the second jig side member, the second jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the second jig side member, the second jig support member including a second jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the second jig side member; and wherein the first ends of the jig side members are connected to the jig bottom member to allow a spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members of at least 5 degrees but not more than 30 degrees.
 20. The frame hanger jig apparatus of claim 19 and wherein: each jig side member is further defined by an inner surface, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second jig side members are placed in generally parallel and spaced-apart relationship to one another; and the apparatus further comprises a tensioning means configured to bring together the second ends of the jig side members against an opposing outward-spreading force applied to the inner surfaces of the jig side members and against the spring biased spread between the first ends of the jig side members and the second ends of the jig side members. 